A/N: I'm back with an extra long chappie this time on the request of Matsi.
However, as you can tell, the longer the chapter the longer it takes so
please tell me whether you prefer longer chapters and less updates of
shorter chapter and more updates. Well on with the story.
Chapter 5: The Closer They Get
Serenity could not believe what she saw. All scattered around the palace were a hoard of magically beautiful red roses. Exactly one million single red roses, according to the guard.
(A/N: Hey, I know the whole thing with the roses is lame but it's the best I can come up with. I knew you guys were expecting something brilliant but my mind just doesn't work that way. Gomen -_-;))
Serena wondered whose idea it was to fill the whole palace with these flowers. Not that she didn't think it was beautiful, just that it wasn't possible to take a step without stepping on one.
When she took a closer look, each and every one of these roses was attached to a golden locket. Slowly, Serena opened one and found a picture of a very handsome Prince Endymion.
Serenity smirked. "Well geez, I wonder who all this is from," she remarked sarcastically.
"How kawaii!" exclaimed Mina. (A/N: She's chucking a Tomoyo.)
A young maid walked up to Serena and reported, "Your highness, there is a also a card that came with the delivery."
Serena took it and read: Dearest Sere, The roses are to represent how beautiful you are to me. In each of the attached gold lockets are to remind you that I am everywhere in your world. You cannot hide from me. You will be mine. Love, Endy
Serena angered that comment. 'So Endy thinks he can win me over by showering me with flowers and lockets. Ha! Think again.' She picked up a rose and inhaled its sweet scent.
~~*~~
News and gossip traveled fast in the kingdom, and soon, there was not a soul that did not know of Serena's big debut or of Prince Endymion's 'large' gift. Some thought it sweet, while others believed that Endymion had fallen head over heels for Serenity. All in all, everyone rejoiced in the fact that there will soon be a royal wedding.
That is, everyone except for the owner of the same pair of red eyes that were spying on Endy and Serena in the royal gardens (A/N: If you dun remember go back to last chapter).
Jealousy and hatred all sprang up at once. 'How dare that little twit. She may look pretty now but she's still same old rotten excuse for a Princess that she used to be. Nothing will change the fact that she is unworthy of the crown and unworthy of MY Prince. No need to worry though. Endymion will soon tire of her and then he'll come crawling back to me.'
~~*~~
Serenity tossed and turned. No matter how hard she tried. She just couldn't seem to get to sleep. So she saddled up Thunder and rode to the cliff and screamed to for the world to hear. Even though she continuously vowed not to let him get to her, but how could she not think about him?
Endy had everything that a girl would want in a man - wealth, status, looks, a great body, and a godly-given ability to sweet talk the coldest hearts. However, the only thing that he lacked was loyalty. He could be loyal to his parents, his duties and even his goddamn dog, but when it comes to women it's a totally different story. Unfortunately for Endymion, loyalty was the one trait that Serenity deemed the most important. No matter how big an advantage he had in other areas, in Serenity's eyes it would not make up for his lack of loyalty. She could not accept being with a man who warmed another woman's bed each night.
On the other hand.
'Argh!!!! All this thinking is killing my brain cells.'
'You know, it's not as complicated as it seems.'
'Will you shut up. You choose the worst times to speak. And how come you never surfaced until lately. You've never talked to me in the 18 years of my life, so why now?'
'Because I'm your inner voice of love. I only speak when it's a love related issue and I try to help.'
'Well so far you've given me more trouble than help.'
'Geez, it's nice to know I'm loved.'
'Shut up.'
'Ok. Just don't ask for my help.'
'I won't.'
'Fine.'
'Fine.'
Serenity had finally managed to get her inner voice to shut up. Now she could think in peace.
'I don't know what to do. I guess I could play along with his little game. In one respects, it's quite fun, and on the other, it may add nicely to my plan.'
Having temporarily solved her issues, Serena returned to the palace and as soon as she came in contact with her bed, she drifted off into a deep slumber. Tomorrow would be a new day.
~~*~~
Queen Serenity sat peacefully at the breakfast table the next morning. All of a sudden, the door burst open and there stood a rather eager looking Prince.
"Your majesty I would like to ask your permission to take Serenity away for today. I have planned some activities for the day that I think she may enjoy." Endymion politely asked.
Queen Serenity smiled. "Of course if would be alright. After all, you and Serena will be married soon. She will be down in a second."
Just then, the door burst open a second time revealing a very awake Princess. "Oh mother, its such a lovely day and.what are you doing here Endy?" she questioned.
"Dear, I just gave permission for Endymion to take you out for the day. I'm sure you will both have a great time."
"Oh." Serenity's mood changed just like that. Her expression of excitement was replaced with one of disinterest. To be perfectly honest, she was more than happy to spend the day with him, but why let anyone else know about how she felt?
Endymion, however, was slightly disappointed by her reaction but ignored it nonetheless. He was not going to let such a small riff ruin his plans.
~~*~~
Endymion led Serenity to the stables where he had brought two horses. One was of such a pure snow-white colour that one would resist temptation to ride it in fear of dirtying its beautiful skin. The other horse was of a midnight black that gave it a bit of a wild image.
'Hm.nice contrast, just like me and Endy,' Serena thought unconsciously.
"The horses contrast nicely don't they? Just like you and me."
'Whoa! Did he just read her mind or something? This was getting freaky.'
"Want to give it a ride? I better ride Black Beauty (A/N: Isn't it such an original name -_-;) since she's a bit on the wild side," Endymion boasted, breaking Serena's train of thoughts.
"Hey, are you accusing me of being incapable?" she complained playfully.
"Yes." He said plainly but with a smile.
"Well I'll show you. Give me that horse." She rode off.
Endymion both loved and admired her determination. It was one of her qualities that drew him to her so much. She didn't just give up on things like most girls do when they find the objective too difficult. Serenity always loved a challenge; in fact she lived her life based on it. It was appealing. And sexy.
Then Endymion snapped out of it. 'Man, I can't believe I was just thinking that.'
"Are you coming or what?" Serenity impatiently shouted and she rode of without him.
Endymion quickly followed suit and rode off after her.
~~*~~
Endymion watched Serenity from behind. The way her eyes shine, the way her smile gleams and the way her beautiful golden locks fly against the wind makes her appear like an angel.
Endymion shook his head in disgust 'Argh.I can't think like that. You're meant to seduce her remember? Not let her seduce you. God, get a grip Endy.' He brought himself back to reality.
"Do you know why I love riding so much?" Serena suddenly asked.
"No. But please tell." He was curious why she brought it up.
"It's because it gives me a sense of freedom and control," she said proudly.
"How so?"
"I don't quite know myself. I just feel this way." Serena gave Endy a dazzling smile, causing his heart to beat a thousand times faster.
'This is not normal,' Endy thought.
~~*~~
During the next few weeks, Serena saw more and more of Endymion as he came daily to take her out. And then there was also the fact that Queen Serenity suggesting Endymion staying in the Palace due to the fact that the wedding would be near and he was needed in order for the plans to be made.
In short, Serena basically saw Endy around every corner and every bend. She wasn't complaining of course, but sometimes she felt nervous around him and needed some time off. But the way things were going; it didn't seem like that was going to happen.
On this particular day, Endymion had decided to bring Serenity to the archery grounds. He knew that she would love it. And he was right.
"Oh Endy, that was so fun, especially with you. We have to come again soon." Serenity felt overjoyed.
"I knew you would have a great time. Don't worry, there'll be plenty more chances to come here," Endy mentally gave himself a pat on the back. She was happy so he was happy and everything was all good.
~~*~~
Not far from all the commotion in Serenity and Endymion's world were the spying red eyes (A/N: Again? -_-;). Truth is that this red-eyed woman used to be one of Endymion's mistresses. But then he sensed her wicked ways and dumped her after 1 day - his shortest recorded relationship. 'She' however, after 6 months, still had not accepted the fact that he dumped her. The woman gave a whole new meaning to word 'clingy'.
"You won't have him for long, Princess." she cackled.
~~*~~
"Serenity?" Endy spoke up as the both of them walked back into the palace after a day of fun.
"Yes?"
"At midnight tonight, I want you to wait for me outside your room. I want to show you something."
"Why?"
"Don't ask. Just do it."
"Hmph, what makes you think that you can just command me around like that. I am a Princess after all and you will NOT order me around. I will have you know that women are capable and worthy of making their own decisions and."
"For once don't argue, PLEASE!" he stopped her before she could launch into another one of her famous women's rights speeches.
"You can wait all you want but I won't be there. Hmph." And with her usual air of self-confidence, she marched off dignifiedly.
Endymion watched her go. "Don't worry Princess. I know you'll be there." When it came to the self-confidence department, he could match Serenity skill for skill.
~~*~~
It was 10 minutes until midnight and Serenity was pacing around in her room.
' Should I go or sould I not?'
'I know you want to.'
'How do your know?'
"Because I am you, remember?'
'Oh, that's right. Darn. That means you know about every damn thing that goes on.'
'Geez, aren't you a smart little coffee bean.'
'Shut up.'
'You know I can't unless you stop being so indecisive.'
' So then should I go or not?'
'I think you should go.'
'Why?'
'Because you want to see him and what he has to show you.'
'That's a good enough reason for me. Thanks.'
'Anytime babe.'
Serenity walked towards her door and opened it. Sure enough there stood a very handsome prince.
'There was still 5 minutes until midnight. What was he doing here?' "How long have you been here?" she asked.
"Not long, just since 11:30," he replied casually.
Serenity gasped. "What do you mean not long? You've been out here for almost half an hour. Why didn't you knock or something and why were you here so early anyway?"
"Well to answer your first question, I didn't knock because I didn't know if you would be attending to something important in which case I did not want to disturb you. To answer your second question, I was here so early because I didn't want to be late."
At that moment, Endymion had the most adorable look on his face that made Serena feel like putty. She could've melted.
"Come on, before someone sees us. You know how the guards are about us being up so late." Endy said hurriedly. He took her hand and swiftly led her away. The moment that the both of them touched, it felt like electricity current had passed though.
'I wish this moment could last forever,' the both of them thought.
And like that, Endymion led Serenity into the night. However, the reason Endymion had stolen serenity from her sleep, yet remains a mystery. (A/N: .a mystery until next chappie of course.hohoho!!! ^_^;)
Chapter 5: The Closer They Get
Serenity could not believe what she saw. All scattered around the palace were a hoard of magically beautiful red roses. Exactly one million single red roses, according to the guard.
(A/N: Hey, I know the whole thing with the roses is lame but it's the best I can come up with. I knew you guys were expecting something brilliant but my mind just doesn't work that way. Gomen -_-;))
Serena wondered whose idea it was to fill the whole palace with these flowers. Not that she didn't think it was beautiful, just that it wasn't possible to take a step without stepping on one.
When she took a closer look, each and every one of these roses was attached to a golden locket. Slowly, Serena opened one and found a picture of a very handsome Prince Endymion.
Serenity smirked. "Well geez, I wonder who all this is from," she remarked sarcastically.
"How kawaii!" exclaimed Mina. (A/N: She's chucking a Tomoyo.)
A young maid walked up to Serena and reported, "Your highness, there is a also a card that came with the delivery."
Serena took it and read: Dearest Sere, The roses are to represent how beautiful you are to me. In each of the attached gold lockets are to remind you that I am everywhere in your world. You cannot hide from me. You will be mine. Love, Endy
Serena angered that comment. 'So Endy thinks he can win me over by showering me with flowers and lockets. Ha! Think again.' She picked up a rose and inhaled its sweet scent.
~~*~~
News and gossip traveled fast in the kingdom, and soon, there was not a soul that did not know of Serena's big debut or of Prince Endymion's 'large' gift. Some thought it sweet, while others believed that Endymion had fallen head over heels for Serenity. All in all, everyone rejoiced in the fact that there will soon be a royal wedding.
That is, everyone except for the owner of the same pair of red eyes that were spying on Endy and Serena in the royal gardens (A/N: If you dun remember go back to last chapter).
Jealousy and hatred all sprang up at once. 'How dare that little twit. She may look pretty now but she's still same old rotten excuse for a Princess that she used to be. Nothing will change the fact that she is unworthy of the crown and unworthy of MY Prince. No need to worry though. Endymion will soon tire of her and then he'll come crawling back to me.'
~~*~~
Serenity tossed and turned. No matter how hard she tried. She just couldn't seem to get to sleep. So she saddled up Thunder and rode to the cliff and screamed to for the world to hear. Even though she continuously vowed not to let him get to her, but how could she not think about him?
Endy had everything that a girl would want in a man - wealth, status, looks, a great body, and a godly-given ability to sweet talk the coldest hearts. However, the only thing that he lacked was loyalty. He could be loyal to his parents, his duties and even his goddamn dog, but when it comes to women it's a totally different story. Unfortunately for Endymion, loyalty was the one trait that Serenity deemed the most important. No matter how big an advantage he had in other areas, in Serenity's eyes it would not make up for his lack of loyalty. She could not accept being with a man who warmed another woman's bed each night.
On the other hand.
'Argh!!!! All this thinking is killing my brain cells.'
'You know, it's not as complicated as it seems.'
'Will you shut up. You choose the worst times to speak. And how come you never surfaced until lately. You've never talked to me in the 18 years of my life, so why now?'
'Because I'm your inner voice of love. I only speak when it's a love related issue and I try to help.'
'Well so far you've given me more trouble than help.'
'Geez, it's nice to know I'm loved.'
'Shut up.'
'Ok. Just don't ask for my help.'
'I won't.'
'Fine.'
'Fine.'
Serenity had finally managed to get her inner voice to shut up. Now she could think in peace.
'I don't know what to do. I guess I could play along with his little game. In one respects, it's quite fun, and on the other, it may add nicely to my plan.'
Having temporarily solved her issues, Serena returned to the palace and as soon as she came in contact with her bed, she drifted off into a deep slumber. Tomorrow would be a new day.
~~*~~
Queen Serenity sat peacefully at the breakfast table the next morning. All of a sudden, the door burst open and there stood a rather eager looking Prince.
"Your majesty I would like to ask your permission to take Serenity away for today. I have planned some activities for the day that I think she may enjoy." Endymion politely asked.
Queen Serenity smiled. "Of course if would be alright. After all, you and Serena will be married soon. She will be down in a second."
Just then, the door burst open a second time revealing a very awake Princess. "Oh mother, its such a lovely day and.what are you doing here Endy?" she questioned.
"Dear, I just gave permission for Endymion to take you out for the day. I'm sure you will both have a great time."
"Oh." Serenity's mood changed just like that. Her expression of excitement was replaced with one of disinterest. To be perfectly honest, she was more than happy to spend the day with him, but why let anyone else know about how she felt?
Endymion, however, was slightly disappointed by her reaction but ignored it nonetheless. He was not going to let such a small riff ruin his plans.
~~*~~
Endymion led Serenity to the stables where he had brought two horses. One was of such a pure snow-white colour that one would resist temptation to ride it in fear of dirtying its beautiful skin. The other horse was of a midnight black that gave it a bit of a wild image.
'Hm.nice contrast, just like me and Endy,' Serena thought unconsciously.
"The horses contrast nicely don't they? Just like you and me."
'Whoa! Did he just read her mind or something? This was getting freaky.'
"Want to give it a ride? I better ride Black Beauty (A/N: Isn't it such an original name -_-;) since she's a bit on the wild side," Endymion boasted, breaking Serena's train of thoughts.
"Hey, are you accusing me of being incapable?" she complained playfully.
"Yes." He said plainly but with a smile.
"Well I'll show you. Give me that horse." She rode off.
Endymion both loved and admired her determination. It was one of her qualities that drew him to her so much. She didn't just give up on things like most girls do when they find the objective too difficult. Serenity always loved a challenge; in fact she lived her life based on it. It was appealing. And sexy.
Then Endymion snapped out of it. 'Man, I can't believe I was just thinking that.'
"Are you coming or what?" Serenity impatiently shouted and she rode of without him.
Endymion quickly followed suit and rode off after her.
~~*~~
Endymion watched Serenity from behind. The way her eyes shine, the way her smile gleams and the way her beautiful golden locks fly against the wind makes her appear like an angel.
Endymion shook his head in disgust 'Argh.I can't think like that. You're meant to seduce her remember? Not let her seduce you. God, get a grip Endy.' He brought himself back to reality.
"Do you know why I love riding so much?" Serena suddenly asked.
"No. But please tell." He was curious why she brought it up.
"It's because it gives me a sense of freedom and control," she said proudly.
"How so?"
"I don't quite know myself. I just feel this way." Serena gave Endy a dazzling smile, causing his heart to beat a thousand times faster.
'This is not normal,' Endy thought.
~~*~~
During the next few weeks, Serena saw more and more of Endymion as he came daily to take her out. And then there was also the fact that Queen Serenity suggesting Endymion staying in the Palace due to the fact that the wedding would be near and he was needed in order for the plans to be made.
In short, Serena basically saw Endy around every corner and every bend. She wasn't complaining of course, but sometimes she felt nervous around him and needed some time off. But the way things were going; it didn't seem like that was going to happen.
On this particular day, Endymion had decided to bring Serenity to the archery grounds. He knew that she would love it. And he was right.
"Oh Endy, that was so fun, especially with you. We have to come again soon." Serenity felt overjoyed.
"I knew you would have a great time. Don't worry, there'll be plenty more chances to come here," Endy mentally gave himself a pat on the back. She was happy so he was happy and everything was all good.
~~*~~
Not far from all the commotion in Serenity and Endymion's world were the spying red eyes (A/N: Again? -_-;). Truth is that this red-eyed woman used to be one of Endymion's mistresses. But then he sensed her wicked ways and dumped her after 1 day - his shortest recorded relationship. 'She' however, after 6 months, still had not accepted the fact that he dumped her. The woman gave a whole new meaning to word 'clingy'.
"You won't have him for long, Princess." she cackled.
~~*~~
"Serenity?" Endy spoke up as the both of them walked back into the palace after a day of fun.
"Yes?"
"At midnight tonight, I want you to wait for me outside your room. I want to show you something."
"Why?"
"Don't ask. Just do it."
"Hmph, what makes you think that you can just command me around like that. I am a Princess after all and you will NOT order me around. I will have you know that women are capable and worthy of making their own decisions and."
"For once don't argue, PLEASE!" he stopped her before she could launch into another one of her famous women's rights speeches.
"You can wait all you want but I won't be there. Hmph." And with her usual air of self-confidence, she marched off dignifiedly.
Endymion watched her go. "Don't worry Princess. I know you'll be there." When it came to the self-confidence department, he could match Serenity skill for skill.
~~*~~
It was 10 minutes until midnight and Serenity was pacing around in her room.
' Should I go or sould I not?'
'I know you want to.'
'How do your know?'
"Because I am you, remember?'
'Oh, that's right. Darn. That means you know about every damn thing that goes on.'
'Geez, aren't you a smart little coffee bean.'
'Shut up.'
'You know I can't unless you stop being so indecisive.'
' So then should I go or not?'
'I think you should go.'
'Why?'
'Because you want to see him and what he has to show you.'
'That's a good enough reason for me. Thanks.'
'Anytime babe.'
Serenity walked towards her door and opened it. Sure enough there stood a very handsome prince.
'There was still 5 minutes until midnight. What was he doing here?' "How long have you been here?" she asked.
"Not long, just since 11:30," he replied casually.
Serenity gasped. "What do you mean not long? You've been out here for almost half an hour. Why didn't you knock or something and why were you here so early anyway?"
"Well to answer your first question, I didn't knock because I didn't know if you would be attending to something important in which case I did not want to disturb you. To answer your second question, I was here so early because I didn't want to be late."
At that moment, Endymion had the most adorable look on his face that made Serena feel like putty. She could've melted.
"Come on, before someone sees us. You know how the guards are about us being up so late." Endy said hurriedly. He took her hand and swiftly led her away. The moment that the both of them touched, it felt like electricity current had passed though.
'I wish this moment could last forever,' the both of them thought.
And like that, Endymion led Serenity into the night. However, the reason Endymion had stolen serenity from her sleep, yet remains a mystery. (A/N: .a mystery until next chappie of course.hohoho!!! ^_^;)